Does this charming lady really needs an introduction ? Not really I guess, but for the beginners here in a nutshell the story of Liv Kristine so far.

In the early nineties she became the singer of Theatre Of Tragedy, one of the founders of Gothic Female fronted Metal and a band who introduced the “Beauty and the Beast” vocal battles.

In the late nineties she developed her own solo career, composing more personal, poppy songs released under her own name. Together with husband Alexander Krull and the other band members Atrocity she is founder of the successful gothic band Leaves’ Eyes in 2003 after leaving Theatre of Tragedy.

Album Review

“Vervain” or Verbena, is called “Tears of Isis” in ancient Egypt. It is a herb with purple or white flowers with delicate spikes and nearly scentless, also known as one of a vampire’s most well-known weakness. Also associated with “divine” which is in this case a good translation for the fifth album of Liv Kristine.

An album that is, without any doubt, her strongest and most energetic one. On her solo albums Liv Kristine normally shows her light, romantic side with poppy, catchy songs. Previous album “Libertine” (2012) already marks a more rock orientated direction.

“Vervain” presents itself as a dark and doom album with songs that reminds strongly of Theatre of Tragedy. Bass and drums are very heavy and low; giving the album a sinister, melancholic feeling.

Although this album marks a return to Liv Kristine’s roots it still is an album that reaches a wider audience. Gaining a lot of new fans and please the old ones as well. Liv’s beautiful voice and sympathetic personality stand guarantee for that.

Opener “My Wilderness” immediately is a bulls eye; doomy riffs and firm axe work contradict with her catchy and racy voice as many know in most Leaves’ Eyes songs, but above all it sounds fresh and energetic.

In “Creeper” and “Oblivious” those fine dark riffs by guitars and bass are standing out. When Liv’s angelic vocals sets in the timbre immediately changes: providing a contradiction between doom against sweet. One of the strongest impressions on this album.

With “Elucidation” also the more catchy (poppy) and electronic musical period from Theatre Of Tragedy is honored. It’s swings, it rock’s and has that particular dancing beat which was introduced on their debuut album.

On the fragile song “Lotus” Liv’s vocals are breath taking and make you melt like icicles on the roof. “Hunters” is driven by an energetic rock beat and Liv’s haunting vocals make it also a track worth mentioning.

Two vocal guestsappearances are made by Michelle Darkness(End of Green) in the new wave, gothic sounding “Love Decay” and “the female voice of metal rock” Doro Peshmakes her entrance on “Stronghold Of Angels”.

Michelle’s low – down from the cellar – voice makes “Love Decay” sound like a Sisters Of Mercysong and goes along fine with Liv’s clean voice. In the power ballad “Stronghold Of Angels” Doro’s rasping voice merges perfectly with Liv’s angelic one and both deliver a great job. Both duets are cleary something original and reflecting different vocal styles by Liv Kristine.

Conclusion

On this album Liv Kristine presents the best of herself. A mixture of her solo albums, Theatre Of Tragedy roots and Leaves’ Eyes elements cover the load on this excellent album with a variety in songs which share the same intriguing atmosphere of the early Gothic sound.

Doomy, heavy and sinister with enough space for enchanting vocals and fragile poetry. The vocal guest appearances are well chosen and contribute the versatility. Overall it sounds fresh and exciting. Boundaries between Liv Kristine solo and Leaves’ Eyeshave faded, so its wise to abstract there are two top acts in the Gothic scene.

Last, but certainly not least, do not forget that Thorsten Bauer is besides Liv the main composer of the music as well as playing most of the instruments. Again Alexander Krullsucceed as producer on “Vervain.”As well as co-composing songs. A splendid job by all three of them which results in album fit to conquer the world.

SAVN is a Norwegian gothic metal band. The band is formed when The Sins of Thy Beloved members Stig Johansson and Anders Thuedecided to create a new band with a new vision. Therefore Savn can be considered as the ‘rising from the ashes’ of these two musicians.

The group officially became ‘active’ when the two bandmembers contacted Midnattsol vocalistCarmen Elise Espanæsas they wanted her to sing one song on the album. However, Carmen got more involved as she took part in the process and she ended up being the vocalist of all of the songs. SAVN is nothing like The Sins of Thy Beloved or Midnattsol and their latest album “Savn” is a clear proof of a new path for those

Album Review

The self-titled album is definitely catchy and unique from the beginning. With the first song “Musical Silence” the listener will experience the mixture of gothic, symphonic and even folk elements and that is what attracted me to this album from the beginning. It is not just another gothic metal album, it is a real addiction filled with a lot of diversities and little surprises!

One of the elements, which made the album even more beautiful and smooth, is definitely the female vocals. Which can be heard in every song, sung by the vocalist Carmen Elise Espanæs. There’s something in her voice that soothes you, the vocals are not disturbing (unlike most of the vocals of female singers nowadays) and it fits perfectly to the melodies in the background.

Furthermore, I am sure a lot of listeners will not be surprised to hear that Carmen is the sibling of Liv Kristine (Leaves’Eyes)and there are definitely similarities between the two vocalists musically. As a matter of fact, these two sisters perform on “I Am Free.”

It personally my favorite song of the album. The vocalist Carmen also comments: “I don’t remember if it was Liv that asked me about doing a song or if I asked her, but we talked about it and thought it would be a great idea. And we didn’t just take any song. There was a part in ’I Am Free’ that I felt was perfect for Liv Kristine”. A good decision, hopefully there are more collaborations of the two sister in the future.

It is no surprise then that the production is in the capable hands of Alexander Krull from The Mastersound Studio and also singer in Leaves’ Eyes and Atrocity. His trademark is a rich bombastic sound, with many layers and his style fits perfect to the compositions of SAVN.

When we are talking about a gothic – symphonic metal band, the musical arrangements in the background play an important role. “Savn” is an album that meets the expectations of every listener who wants those magical pianos and symphonic elements. The songs do not sound half-tone.

As a matter of fact, after listening to the songs over and over, I fell in love with the melodies in the background more. A perfect example of the symphonic arrangements can be heard in “Longing For Love.” It’s been a while since I listened to a symphonic song like that, surely breathtaking.

Another highlight of the album is definitely the last song “Lengselens Hånd” which is the only song in the album in the band’s original languge, Norwegian. As a fan of the Scandinavian folk music, this song was a huge surprise for me in the end. It’s hard not to get mesmerized in the whole magic of the song. Apart from the rock – metal vibe which forms the essence of the album, the song stood out among all of them. It reflects the magic of the band and shows just how unique SAVN is.

Conclusion

Generally, SAVN will fulfill the expectations of every symphonic- and gothic metal fans out there. This is not just another female-fronted metal band (to mention a similar term). This debut album is filled with catchy and magical melodies accompanied by the magical female vocals. In the times where the ‘mainstream‘ gothic metal has changed its style and became somehow ‘poppy’ and ‘ordinary’, a band like SAVN definitely proves that hope is not lost and they definitely made me happy with their self-titled debut album. What I would love to hear more would be maybe a bit more growls – which existed in some songs like “I Am Free” and in the last two bonus tracks – and more acoustic material. A very interesting, well made début for sure!

After the jubilee edition of ten years Metal Female Voices Fest, the question raise if it is still possible to offer fans an exciting program after such a long time.

Frankly since the beginning in 2003 there are bands on the list returning almost every year. That is still the case, but MFVF is developed in a professional festival.

What means that bands are presenting a higher quality, also the opening bands and not only the headliners. The stage set-up is more professional and there is less delay between acts, meaning that fans don’t have to wait. Also the amount of seats is increased and there is more food.

On a festival likes this, where people meet from all over the world, the social aspect is higher than on other indoor festivals. In that atmosphere it is important that fans have a contact moment with their favourite bands.

Rock Tribune provides signing sessions of almost all the bands. Its pretty amazing seeing fans waiting so patiently in – often – a long queue.

Walking in when Serenity is finishing their set, isn’t the best timing. The progressive power metal band from Austria is touring intensively last years with Kamelot and Delain, doing them good. Singer Georg Neuhauser is confident on stage and each time his voice impresses me.

Since female vocalist Clementine Delauney joined, the group became stronger. ‘War Of Ages’ is a challenging album, showing that Kamelot has a real competitor (their last album is more over a repeating of what they did in the past).

Chaostar comes from Greece and adds a real own sound to todays program. There are traditional instruments on stage, a violin and also electronic arrangements mixed with Eastern vibes.

The tall blond Androniki Skoula, dressed in red is quite an appearance. Her voice is high, and bombastic. It is nice when she use folk influences. An old song comes with an plan flute.

Skull is a good storyteller and that makes her performance authentic, although sometimes she is busier posing than seeking for interaction with her band members.

The quality level of bands is increasing and there are more bands showing a wider spectrum of the female voices. It is not only about high, bombastic voices anymore and that is a good development concerning the diversity.

Kobra and The Lotus is a heavy hard rock band coming from Canada. They are active since 2008, although their debut is released this year. Recently touring with Halestorm increases their fan base all over Europe.

Also Brittainy Paige is an eye catcher on stage; not only having a strong, powerful voice but also a dynamic performance that comes with such a sound (heavy guitars and drums). It is important for a singer to find a balanced sound without losing tension. Paige understands that pretty good and it is a pitty the sounds is too massive in Wieze.

Last minute Dutch dark gothic band Asrai is added to the program, replacing Visions Of Atlantis. They aren’t touring that much, so it is a nice surprise to see them in Wieze.

Immediately Asrai grabs the attention, their sound is fresh and heavy at the same time. There is a new face in the band and recently EP ‘Between Dreams And Destiny’ is released. Some new songs are played and the general impression is a heavier, darker sound.

The show is dynamic and vivid. The circumstances are harder on such a big stage; there is less frontlight and that makes it harder to follow the movements of the band members (especially the keyboards and drums are hidden in the dark).

‘Stay With Me’ is a well-known song and its soon crowed in front of the stage. Magriet Mol is a strong frontlady, not only having a great voice but also reaching the audience easily with her performance.

Her movements are very expressive, carried by the catchy melody. Add a rising beat and drums of Karin Mol and there is immediately a strong interaction.

The whole day the venue is half empty, the real fans are gathered in the front but many people are walking around. During Asrai it is finally more crowded in the back, it’s after five so the camping is awake too.

For many the first Dutch band is a real highlight, and it is not easy to top their energy. Luckily Kontrust is more than capable to raise the energy level. The crossover band from Austria is ready to make a big party with their contagious sound.

The mixture between screams, drumbeats, heavy guitars and even reggae influences makes the band special. Their sound is impossible to compare with any other band and that is already impressive nowadays.

More than the music their live performance is striking. The duets between frontlady Agata and male singer Steve are the real eye-cather, especially the show elements like red flags around the microphone and hand puppets. Without any doubt they are the most spontaneous, humoristic band on stage today.

The first headliner of the day is German band Leaves’ Eyes. On Friday Liv Kristine performed solo for the fist time in this area, and today it is full force accompanied by the whole band.

It’s the kick-off from a new worldwide tour, in November ‘Symphonies of the Night‘ will be released. An album that live will impress the most, because it shows the strength of this formation; on stage Liv Kristine totally has control over every detail and every tone in her voice. What makes it fascinating to look at.

Over twenty years she is still one of the top vocalists in the gothic metal scene and for a very good reason. There is nobody like her, the lightness in her voice and the technics to create a soft – and then bombastic sound.

New songs are presented today, among them ‘Galswintha’ that reflects the new path of the band. It is darker, heavier, stronger, bombastic and easily fitting in the clear voice of Liv Kristine.

After the semi-acoustic opening of Thorsten Bauer on guitar, the show is strong and bombastic. The beauty and the beast concept of male vocalist Alexander Krull in combination with his wife on stage, is still attractive. Many fans are waiting for songs like ‘Elegy’ or ‘My Destiny‘ and singing along. It is really crowded also in the back.

Each time the musicians are getting stronger on stage, and the new material makes it more appealling. It is rare that a band has such a dynamic career and still is open for new influences. Today Leaves’ Eyes surpasses themselves once again in the most powerful way imaginable.

Delain is the second headliner of the evening, presenting a special set with guests. One of them is Sharon den Adel, and surely many Within Temptation fans are in the crowd. Both bands have some similarities, like having mainstream success, besides the family bound.

Charlotte Wessels dressed in white this time, is definitely not the strongest vocalist from today. She has a strong pop-orientated voice, instead of the bombastic ones today, but that is a matter of taste.

The band is a strong well balanced formation, mainly Charlotte shows the capability of entertaining a large fan base. The songs are well performed by all musicians and it is smart of them to invite guests on the stage to make it more exclusive. Serenity’s Georg Neuhauser fits beautifully, resulting in a dynamic duet.

Then at the very last songs, the woman that is an example for so many singers enters the stage. Almost unrecognizable in black, Sharon den Adel blows away Wieze. Even old Winthin Temptation song is played ‘Restless‘, with Martijn Westerholt behind the piano. After a long set, Delain says goodbye and of course their big hit ‘The Gathering’ is the perfect adrenaline rush, including catchy guitars and uprising drums.

The Italian band Lacuna Coil has the honor to close the evening, also playing a special set. For the fans ‘Karmacode‘ album from 2006 is played entirely. That doesn’t mean that well known songs from their ‘Comalies‘ period aren’t forgotten.

The format of strong duets between male vocalist Andrea Ferro and beauty Cristina Scabbia is familiar and working well as a trademark worldwide. In fairness there is nothing new presented by them. Since their show on the Lowlands festival in 2007 Lacuna Coil is pretty disappointing ever since.

It seems the band has an ‘American’ air around them, somehow not willing to deliver live anymore. The sound is often pretty bad. Each performance on MFVF is loud, what makes it pretty annoying to listen to them.

Above that the show is familiar and I can’t discover any pleasure or happiness, just an automatic pilot. There is no front light what makes it hard to see their faces.

Something that is a downside the whole day; bands are moving and there is no real light in the front or in the back. A spotlight is definitely necessary, more than beautiful laserlights.

The guest performances made MFVF XI a success today and the social reunion created a special atmosphere; there are people from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Japan. That is enough prove that the festival is still standing strong!

Liv Kristine Espenæs – Krull asthefull name of the singer is,released her fourth solo album ‘Libertine‘ a month ago.It is an album with pop influences and also a return to the roots: an interesting combination. There is a Dutch review on Muzikantenweb for further details.

At that time she was touring in Europe with Leaves’ Eyes her main band. When she arrived home, in one day the email questions were answered. What follows is a short update with the charming Liv Kristine revealing more about her solo record.

Compared to your previous album ‘Skintight’ (Napalm Records 2010), ‘Libertine’ seems to contain more up-tempo rock songs. It seems difficult for you to shake off your ‘loud music’ roots. Do you find yourself always coming back to that style of music for a reason? Or did you just feel like creating some heavier songs?

Liv Kristine: ” To compare “Libertine” with my former releases, ‘Dues ex Machina’ (1998) was very atmospheric and reminding you a bit about Irish Enya, a real pop-album. ‘Enter My Religion’ (2006) was more guitar-based and earthly with many interesting exotic folk influences. ‘Skintight’ (2010) had some influence from Johnny Cash, which sometimes gives the listeners a warm and here-and-now campfire feeling experience.

‘Libertine’ (2012) is a back-to-the-roots album for me, containing the most emotional ballads I’ve ever composed, Some songs even have a dark, but sweet feeling to it. Through both the piano, the dark bass lines and heavy guitars, as you pointed out. I see every album becoming more and more individual, just like I am getting closer to myself in a way. I would say all of my albums are somehow indie, pop or rock.”

Songwriting

I know you have written a lot, if not all, lyrics yourself. How much did you participate in the writing of the music on ‘Libertine’?

Liv Krtine: “ I write all lyrics, for my solo project and Leaves’ Eyes. I just love poetry and linguistics! When composing for Leaves’ Eyes most ideas are recorded instrumentally by Alexander Krull (singer), Thorsten Bauer (guitarist) and Sander van der Meer (guitarist) at first. Then I start working on my vocal melodies and lyrics.

A solo album song-writing process mostly runs in the opposite direction: initially there’s a vocal melody or a single bass or piano line from which all songs start growing. I composed three songs, the rest was co-composed with J.B.van der Wal, under the production of Mastersound, Alexander Krull (husband, producer). The only exception is the Kate Bush cover, of course.”

Influences

The opening song on ‘Libertine’ titled ‘Interlude’ feels like a serenade. Was that song inspired by someone. What or who, is your main inspiration in general?

Liv Kristine: “Interlude is a very atmospheric opener and intro pece of music. It has a sweet sound to it. It is a love declaration written like a poem. Coming to influences, I am lucky to have parents who love music too, so I’ve always spent a lot of time listening and singing along to music.

I started to sing even before I could walk or talk, however, I never had any musical education and I never studied music (I studied linguistics, German, English and historic languages). It was my inner voice that told me that singing is a part of me, it just comes from the heart.

Actually, when I was little, I thought that every human being could sing! Well, I guess I’m lucky, having a kind of perfect hearing. Coming to influences I grew up with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Edvard Grieg and Tschaikowsky. Also female singers like Enya, Madonna, Kate Bush, Abba, Tori Amos and Monserrat Caballe.

From the very beginning, I’ve followed my musical instinct: I wanted to combine a romantic, female, angelic voice with powerful and impressive music. Then suddenly, when I was eighteen years old, I found myself in the middle of writing music history with Theatre of Tragedy. My favorite album at the moment is “Ark” by Brendan Perry – absolutely amazing, can’t stop listening to it!”

Paris

The song ‘Paris, Paris’ is obviously inspired by France. Do you get a lot of inspiration from other cultures?

Liv Kristine: “Most influence come from my homecountry, Norway. Then why Paris? I haven’t always liked Paris, as I also have experienced a few bad things there, however, we have slowly become friends now. I like the special feeling I often have when I visit Paris: the narrow streets, the little cafés serving the even smaller espresso, all the beautiful fountains, the Seine, and (as often happens in Paris)the rain!

One of my favorite cafés is in Paris, where I usually have a cup of tea and carrot cake when it’s raining outside. ‘Paris Paris’ was actually a demo song I prepared for Theatre of Tragedy, but it was never recorded. However, I re-wrote it for fun using the program Garage band. My co-musicians loved it and all the instruments were recorded new. It is definitely a very refreshing song.”

What draws you to other cultures?

Liv Kristine: ” It is rather the nature that draws me to other cultures and places. I am dreaming about going to Himalaya, doing a mountain tour by foot, meeting and getting to know the peoples and their history. I have to tell you I just love little villages surrounded by nature, which is also my main motives when I paint my pictures. There is something exciting, like a secret to every village, I think.”

Where did the idea of the Kate Bush cover come from? It is not an easy song to sing. Were you afraid of any criticism of Kate Bush fans or others?

Liv Kristine: ” So far the critics have been absolutely amazing! I am so touched. Kate Bush and Tori Amos are truly my greatest influences vocally. Since I never had any musical education I have found my own way to prepare my voice before a concert or recording session. In which I sing along to either of these wonderful voices.

It was my best friend, Katja, who had this idea that I should cover Kate. During one of our girls’ evenings (parties) I started singing from the top of my voice along to Kate, but the next day I was worried what the neighbors would say. Katjas neighbors did not complain. and my friend inspired me to record the track for ‘Libertine’. It was recorded in a one- take session.”

Gratefulness

Your first solo album was released many years ago in 1998, but when did you first feel the urge to make a solo album?

Liv Kristine: “I’ve been singing for longer than I can remember. I think ‘Deus ex Machina’ came at the right point of time yes.”

Would you feel like you couldn’t express a part of yourself if you did not have your solo career?

Liv Kristine: ” I have to tell you that I feel truly privileged. First of all I am grateful to my fans and friends for giving me all this respect, love and good energy. Some of them following me since my ex-band Theatre of Tragedy came into existence about eighteen years ago. My fans have granted me this freedom I appreciate so much.

Through both Leaves’ Eyesand my solo project, I am able to live out my musical instinct. There has never been a day since I at the age of seven realized that I had been given a special musical gift genetically. Since my childhood there has never been a day at which I haven’t been creative in some or the other way. I just love singing, composing, writing, recording and most of all: playing gigs!”

What is it like to perform these songs live, since they must be really close to your heart?

Liv Kristine: ” Absolutely amazing! There was this moment during my concert in Nagold (Germany) December 2011, when I first presented the demo song ‘Libertine’ to my audience. I had also performed a handful of Theatre of Tragedy songs, because it was my wish. There and then I understood in which musical direction my up-coming album would be, more powerful, more back to the roots. Everybody was there, my closest friends and family, my fantastic fans from all over the world: Argentina, Belgium, Denmark, UK, Finland, Spain, Holland and all over Germany. I was so happy: this was a very special night for me, so special that I will do it again in December 22. this year!”

Closer

How do you see your musical growth through the years and how does that reflect on your albums?

Liv Kristine: “I am getting closer and closer to myself, I feel that my artistic heart is happy, I am really having a good time although it is such hard work. I have so many ideas: I tell you I never get bored.”

Do you have a message for your Dutch fans?

Liv Kristine: “Thank you for being there for me all these years, with Theatre of Tragedy, Leaves’Eyes and my solo work. I hope you enjoy ‘Libertine’ as much as I did composing and recording it. I can’t wait to play it live for you! See you soon, I can’t wait to be back in beautiful, humble Holland – Love Liv.”